Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 322
Chapter 322
“The privilege to propose a Pontiff belongs to every Cardinal following the guidelines of our faith.”
Despite Tenor’s inquisitive stare, Austin mentioned the obvious.
Tenor, appearing disinterested, broke into laughter, while Ilia politely joined the conversation.
“Truly, Cardinal Austin is the most suitable for the papacy.”
“Isn’t the Chosen One directly selected by God? The position is too significant for me.”
Austin quickly shifted the focus back to Ilia.
Even though the discussion seemed friendly, Tenor and the former Pope’s supporters viewed it as insincere.
“If neither of you is ambitious, what about Cardinal Tracy?”
Sam Freeman’s sudden comment redirected the attention to Tracy.
Tracy, still smiling warmly, dismissed the suggestion.
“How can I take charge? The new Pontiff should be one of you two.”
Her words drew the crowd’s focus back to Austin and Ilia.
One had a reputation for honesty and integrity, while the other was a Saint chosen by the divine.
Both had collaborated to expose the former Pope’s corruption and bring in a new era, so either of them ascending to the position of Pontiff would not be surprising.
“If Cardinal Austin would…”
“No, it should be the Saintess…”
Their amicable relationship made their mutual concessions seem genuine.
However, the former Pope’s supporters only scowled at the pleasant scene.
Nevertheless,
“Considering the former Pope’s history, I suspect there might be some hesitation in having a Pontiff from among the Saints. Despite everyone acknowledging the authenticity of Ilia’s stigmata.”
Tracy subtly supported Austin with her words.
“I share that perspective.”
Ilia, surprised, quickly agreed, but Tenor interrupted once more.
“If we forego our right to elect, it becomes a majority among the three. So, how do you wish to respond to our offer, Austin?”
Once again, all eyes turned to Austin.
His decision would shape the future path of the temple.
Both the former Pope’s faction and Ilia awaited his answer, and after a moment of silence, Austin fixed a serious gaze on Tenor.
“Then, I will engage in a hundred days of penitential prayers, step down from my position as cardinal, and donate ninety percent of my amassed wealth to the temple. It will be put to good use.”
“What…!?”
Sam Freeman and other cardinals bristled at Austin’s bold demands.
It was like asking them to relinquish everything.
Yet, Tenor raised his hand, silencing their objections.
“Indeed, you have shown more flexibility than I anticipated, Austin. I wish I had known this earlier.”
With an expression that could be interpreted as either praise or ridicule, Tenor accepted Austin’s proposal alone, leaving even his own supporters uneasy.
However, once Tenor whispered to Sam Freeman—who could be seen as his right-hand man—Sam’s expression changed drastically.
“Indeed… If only there’s assurance that we won’t face repercussions after stepping down, I too would agree.”
At that, the former Pope’s cardinals, who had been grumbling, fell silent.
If Tenor and Sam had agreed, it implied there must be strong grounds for negotiation.
Their gazes returned to Austin.
“My Lord, I vow in the name of Asaron, the God of Light and Harmony.”
Austin Flute, poised to be nominated as the next Pontiff, solemnly nodded.
“Why did they accept such unreasonable terms?” Ilia pondered as she left the Hall of Glory, her head tilted in confusion.
Although things had progressed more smoothly than expected, the process remained baffling to her.
Observing her bewilderment, Tracy concealed a smile behind her hand.
“You truly are exceptional, Ilia.”
“Pardon?”
The unexpected compliment left Ilia puzzled.
With a gentle smile, Tracy continued,
“I’m not teasing you. It means you haven’t been tainted by the world. I genuinely believe you’re wonderful.”
“…What do you mean?”
“Cardinal Austin proposed a generous offer. They will have no choice but to accept the resignation and prayers of penance, regardless…”
“But to demand ninety percent of their wealth…?”
“Yes, that’s where the generosity lies.”
“Pardon?”
“You see, Austin labeled it as a ‘donation.’ Not a confiscation.”
“What does that imply?”
As Ilia displayed her confusion, Tracy maintained her usual warm smile and calmly elucidated,
“A donation is not enforced coercively and is not monitored. Austin provided them the freedom to take what they need and withdraw.”
“What!?”
It was only at that moment that Ilia grasped the underlying implications of the prior conversation among the cardinals.
“You mean, he’s actually letting them off the hook!? They’ve been implicated in numerous crimes already! Corruption, betrayal, misconduct, assault, bribery… so many egregious offenses!”
Contrary to Ilia’s increasing agitation, Tracy simply smiled enigmatically.
“Indeed, that seems to be the case. But what do you think would happen if they decide to unite and threaten to dismantle the entire clergy?”
“That…!”
“If the church structure were to dissolve, how long do you think it would take to reconstruct the current system? No one can guarantee that. And the longer the delay, the more diluted the divine message becomes, allowing heretics to gain a foothold. Ultimately, it would be the innocent citizens who suffer.”
As much as she detested acknowledging it, Tracy’s words held weight.
Yet, the idea of pardoning the former Pope’s accomplices—criminals no less guilty than the disgraced Pope—was challenging for Ilia to accept.
“But doesn’t that… mean compromising with evil?”
Seeing Ilia’s conflicted expression, Tracy gave a wry smile and embraced her tightly.
“Please remain as you are, Saintess. Leave the matters tainted by the world to me and Pope Austin.”
Tracy’s comforting touch felt like the hand of a mother from Ilia’s distant memories.
“…I need a break.”
“Take one.”
And so, Ilia could not press any further and could only walk away without another word.
Watching her departing figure until she disappeared from view, Tracy softly spoke with the same warm smile.
“Such simplicity. How unfortunate. If only you weren’t marked…”
With her gentle smile, Tracy muttered something that remained cryptic.
She then turned to retrace her steps along the path they had just traversed.
There stood Austin Flute, gazing up at the sky with a troubled expression.
“Did you understand?”
“I see that it can’t be helped.”
Austin muttered that he might need some time to collect his thoughts.
At his words, Austin let out a resigned sigh.
“It was a necessary decision for the church. The Saintess will soon comprehend and return.”
“I believe she will, Your Holiness.”
Could it be the attraction of the title ‘Pontiff’?
In that moment, a slightly enigmatic smile crossed Austin’s face.
Imprinting the fleeting expression deep within her memory, Tracy initiated the main discussion, “As it turned out, it unfolded as I had advised, Your Holiness.”
“Ah, indeed. I truly couldn’t have imagined you would convince them. Well done, Cardinal Tracy. But how did you manage that?”
Austin’s query was valid.
He wasn’t someone who had lived a sheltered life reciting religious texts in a secluded area.
He had stood out as a beacon of integrity during a time when the temple was tainted with whispers of corruption.
He had refrained from wrongdoing while striving for righteousness through his actions, a trait that suited him well.
Hence, he found it hard to believe that the corrupted cardinals would simply yield so easily.
Despite the conditions imposed on them, he knew all too well how insatiable those consumed by greed could be.
Yet Tracy’s response remained veiled in a smile.
“I merely displayed my sincerity and persuaded them. At least they still possessed a fraction of decency within them.”
“Hmmm…”
He knew that was improbable.
However, as the process went through impeachment and other complexities, Austin understood the need to reconcile his expectations with reality.
‘Inaction while staying detached changes nothing.’
Even unveiling the undeniable corruption of the past was no easy feat. Without Ilia as a Saintess, navigating these turbulent waters would have been impossible.
Thus, Austin learned to compromise.
Although he still couldn’t comprehend how many priests he had witnessed succumb to corruption over the years.
“Yes, I’ll take your word for it. It gives me comfort to know that the ascetic priests still have strength, such as yours.”
Tracy represented the devoted priests who endeavored to follow the gods’ will.
Gracing them with the opportunity to participate moving forward, Austin smiled as he began to feel some relief.
“Well then, Your Holiness, there’s one more matter I must bring up…”
“Ah… the bracelet of Julio Umberto?”
“Yes.”
There should be no relics that mimic divine power.
The gods’ power is unique and cannot be duplicated.
Yet the former Pope’s bracelet had certainly exhibited signs of channeling divine energies.
It was a detestable item that shattered the long-standing beliefs held for centuries since the temple’s inception.
Therefore, it had been securely kept deep within the knights’ covert vault.
Yet Tracy had requested the bracelet, assuming she would never be able to persuade the former Pope’s cardinals.
Little did she imagine that she could actually sway them.
Austin felt his expression slightly harden upon hearing her request.
Tracy eagerly continued, “My fellow ascetics are eager to learn how such an artifact exists. We believe it will be a crucial key to understanding the gods’ paths.”
“…It cannot leave the central temple, and the relic will require oversight from the knights.”
“Of course. It’s solely for research purposes.”
Tracy’s smile remained broad as she willingly accepted the unreasonable conditions, finally easing Austin’s mood.
“Very well. Together, we shall usher in a new era.”
I will establish a new church and initiate a new age.
To the experienced Austin Flute, a glint of ambition emerged.
And seeing that prompted Tracy, well-versed in his motivations, to nod with a reassuring smile.
“We hereby announce the rise of the new Pontiff, Austin Flute the First, to the entire world!”
“Whoa!”
As Tracy Cardinal’s voice reverberated through the square via the artifact, the people’s cheers echoed with enthusiasm.
“Finally, the corrupt priests will be ousted.”
“I can place my trust in Cardinal Austin; or rather, Pope Austin!”
“Perhaps voluntary contributions will cease now?”
Whispers filled the square, as the faces of the present citizens sparkled with laughter, eager for the new Pontiff.
Soon, Austin’s image flickered within the artifact, and a tense hush fell upon the crowd, each person holding their breath, longing to imprint the presence of their new leader.
As the shepherd of faith, he was the ruler of Noviens.
The citizens yearned to imprint their new ruler’s image in their hearts.
Before long, the newly crowned Pontiff Austin Flute the First began his extensive inauguration speech reminiscent of those before him.
– “I, Austin Flute, shall heed the words of the Nine Gods…”
“*Yawn.* Mommy, I’m sleepy.”
“*Shh, Insuk! Hold it together.*”
“A dedicated priest speaks with such integrity.”
“Yeah. He’s at risk of putting everyone to sleep.”
“Hey, this person…”
“Just a joke!”
Amidst some dozing off and intermittent laughter, the speech concluded.
– “I, Austin Flute, shall expand the divine will through collaboration with the mighty Ares Empire, humanity’s strongest force!
“What?”
“What did he just say?”
“What… does that mean?”
The unexpected declaration during the ceremony stirred confusion among the crowd, their eyes widening in disbelief.
*Crash!*
“What do you mean, Your Holiness!? Why the sudden alliance with the Empire?”
“I aim to pursue more active evangelism!”
“What!? The temple should not align with worldly powers! It’s a tradition that has endured for ages!”
“Old traditions must be altered, Saintess!”
Ilia’s distressed voice was drowned out by the counterarguments from the Pontiff and Tracy.
“What does this signify…?”
“Calm down, Saintess. It’s to spread the gods’ will to all.”
Yet Ilia shook her head in defiance.
“But we don’t need to compromise principles to achieve it! Not without agreement from the cardinals!”
“We’ve consulted with them, Saintess.”
“Pardon?”
“There are only you, me, and Cardinal Tracy left as cardinals. An agreement was reached solely among us. No protocols were violated.”
“You didn’t even inform me? What does this mean!?”
“Enough! The decision has been made. Or do you want me, the Pope, to retract the recent statements made to the public?”
“If it’s wrong, it should be retracted!”
“That cannot happen. There’s nothing wrong!”
Austin’s assertive words twisted Ilia’s expression strangely.
‘Why… why have you suddenly changed like this?’
An arrogant demeanor that seemed entirely removed from the Austin Cardinal she had known until a few moments ago.
Though positions can alter a person, can one truly metamorphose so swiftly?
Her frustration rendered her speechless, yet the silence persisted.
“Step aside now, Saintess. The church will be evolving in various ways going forward.”
Tracy smiled warmly and took the lead.
“I’ll accompany you, Cardinal.”
“Follow me.”
In that instant, the temple knights flanking Tracy blocked Ilia’s path, while Austin, speaking calmly, declared,
“Now that we have a clear direction established, reforms will commence as other cardinals are chosen. You understand, Saintess.”
“That’s a prudent decision, Your Holiness.”
As Tracy bowed her head, a peculiar wave emanated from her outstretched wrist, heading directly towards Pope Austin.
It was a resonance that felt familiar yet unsettling—a divine pressure only emanated by those marked with stigmata.
The memory of it was vivid.
‘The former Pope’s bracelet!’
The temple knights who stood between Austin and herself suddenly froze, their eyes widening.
The realization that pierced through her thoughts hit hard:
‘Everything has gone awry.’
Her heart sank, yet Ilia composed herself through sheer will to conceal her discontent.
She could only express her disappointment with a vacant stare.
“I’ll take my leave for now.”
“I won’t see you off, Saintess.”
As Tracy’s warm voice echoed, it carried a tone of frustration that Ilia’s rebellious thoughts couldn’t shake.
‘Help is needed.’
The image of the confident figure with red hair and red eyes flickered in her mind.
The ruler/king of McLain might offer her assistance.
Realizing this, Ilia turned her back completely on Austin and Tracy.
Unaware of Tracy’s scrutinizing gaze studying her departure with curiosity.
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